• ROOM ELEMENTS
PRETTY PRINTS, STYLISH TRIMS AND DECORATIVE WAYS TO DRAPE WINDOWS AND DOORS FOR COSY COUNTRY STYLE
Decorative ways to furnish your windows
1 FRESH AND WILD
If you’re opting for country florals when having your curtains made, give them a fresh, modern look by adding the element of surprise with a contrasting print on the reverse. ‘When mixing and matching prints in a scheme, it’s vital they are in the same complementary colour palette to ensure harmony throughout,’ says Yasmin Smith, Head of Design, Blendworth.
2 TOP OR TAIL
If you prefer plain fabrics to patterned but are concerned your drapes may ‘disappear’ against painted walls, or look a little drab, add a colour block trim in a vibrant contrasting shade at the top (or at the bottom) of your curtains to make them pop, as shown here with this eye-catching fuchsia pink and soft grey combo.
3 DECORATIVE DETAILS
From pompoms and piping to fringing and braids, trims are a beautifully simple way to personalise plain fabrics and inject some individuality into your space. However, there are many more ways to use them than just on the edges of your curtains. The placement of this charming tufty braid (left) has transformed these neutral sheers. ‘With plain fabrics you can have more fun by using the trim as a stripe effect, creating a design in its own right,’ says Hayley Mcafee, Design Director, Villa Nova.
❝ HANGING CURTAINS HIGHER THAN THE WINDOW WILL GIVE A ROOM❞ SENSE OF HEIGHT TO THE
VANESSA ARBUTHNOTT, FABRIC DESIGNER
5 FRILLS AND SPILLS
For rustic romance, consider a flop-over-frill at the top of your curtains. Popular in France, this detail looks best with ticking or a smart stripe in a contrasting colour picked out from the main fabric and can be hung using curtain tape with positions for the hooks. Having your made-tomeasure curtains finished with a leading edge (along the vertical side) in a heavier, darker fabric will not only protect them, it’s another way to introduce a contrasting shade.
6 SHEER MAGIC
Floor-to-ceiling windows often require a permanent screen for privacy or to reduce glare from sunlight. Sheer voiles are a beautiful option, while layering plain textured curtains in a zingy colour over the top will make your room feel cosy in the evening. ‘You’ll need two different tracks, with the voiles behind the curtains in the recess of the window frame and the curtain track fitted on the outside or the ceiling,’ says Hannah Cooley, Product Manager, Hillarys.